Dr. Rafal M. Pielak, PhD

Scientific Founder & CEO

Dr. Rafal Pielak is a Harvard Medical School–trained scientist and the Founder of Soteri Skin.

He earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences at Harvard Medical School and completed postdoctoral research in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, building his career at the intersection of science and product innovation.

Driven by a personal journey to help a loved one with severe eczema flare-ups, he identified a critical gap in eczema care. Confronted with the limitations of existing treatments, Dr. Pielak turned to science, uncovering insights that ultimately became the foundation of Soteri Skin.

The Scientist Behind Soteri Skin

A personal story sits behind the science.

It all started with Rafal, our scientist founder, a Harvard Biomedical Chemistry PhD, who saw his wife struggle with eczema while she was pregnant with their first child.

Listen to Rafal’s heartwarming story of how he helped his wife overcome eczema and his inspiration behind founding Soteri Skin.

Learn about the science behind the formulations and how it can also help you live eczema-free.

Education & Training

Dr. Pielak has a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Harvard Medical School and is completing postdoctoral research in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley

Professional Experience & Affiliations

Dr. Pielak has worked extensively in biotechnology and advanced skincare innovation. His affiliations reflect a career built at the intersection of scientific research and real-world application.

"The market is flooded with eczema creams and topicals that don’t work. They treat symptoms, but the eczema always comes back, sometimes stronger. Soteri Skin is the only non-steroidal eczema treatment that addresses the root cause, allowing you to live eczema-free."

Rafal Pielak, Founder & CEO Soteri Skin

Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications

Dr. Rafal M. Pielak has contributed to peer-reviewed research in molecular science and biochemistry, with work focused on understanding complex biological systems and translating findings into practical innovation.

Open label, single arm, interventional multi-centered study to evaluate the efficacy and biophysical response of topical Soteri Skin cream in following skin conditions: atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea

Guneet Bedi, Pratisha Dash, Rafal M. Pielak. (2022, November). International Journal of Research in Dermatology.

Skin Surface pH and Its Implication in Skin Health

Rafal M. Pielak, Howard I. Maibach. (2022, August). In [Book Chapter].

Wearable UV/HEV light sensor and smartphone application for personal monitoring and personalized recommendations

Rafal M. Pielak, Pinghung Wei, Haruna Peyret, Lingsong Meng, Seung Yun Heo, Ying Diao, John A. Rogers. (2020, December). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Wireless, battery-free, flexible, miniaturized dosimeters monitor exposure to solar radiation and to light for phototherapy

Seung Yun Heo, Jeonghyun Kim, Philipp Gutruf, Rafal M. Pielak, Jizhou Song, Yonggang Huang, John A. Rogers. (2018, December). Science Translational Medicine, 10(470), eaau1643. https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.aau1643

Soft, stretchable, epidermal sensor with integrated electronics and photochemistry for measuring personal UV exposures

Yunzhou Shi, Megan C. Manco, Dominique Moyal, Seung Yun Heo, Siddharth Krishnan, Jeonghyun Kim, Philipp Gutruf, Yeguang Xue, Rafal M. Pielak, John A. Rogers. (2018, January). PLOS One, 13(1), e0190233. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190233

Patents & Innovation

Dr. Pielak is an inventor of patented technologies in skincare, including innovations focused on maintaining optimal skin conditions through controlled pH balance.

His work reflects a commitment to developing solutions that address underlying biological mechanisms, not just symptoms.

Methods and Chemical Compositions for Treating Skin Conditions by Providing Controlled Skin Surface pH

Pielak, R. M. Soteri Skin, Inc. US12396973B2. Priority: April 26, 2021 • Filed: March 26, 2025 • Granted: August 26, 2025 • Published: August 26, 2025.

Describes compositions and methods for maintaining optimal skin surface pH to restore skin barrier function and treat disorders such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Chemical Compositions Providing Long-Lasting pH Control for Improving Vulvar and Vaginal Skin Health

Pielak, R. M. Soteri Skin, Inc. WO2025080686A1. Priority: October 9, 2023 • Filed: October 9, 2024 • Published: April 17, 2025.

Discloses topical formulations designed to sustain optimal vulvar and vaginal pH for improved comfort and protection against irritation.

Chemical Compositions Providing Long-Lasting Skin pH Control for Improving Skin Barrier Function

Pielak, R. M. Soteri Skin, Inc. WO2022232764A1. Priority: April 26, 2021 • Filed: April 25, 2022 • Published: November 3, 2022.

Relates to pH-stabilizing compositions for long-term maintenance of skin’s acid mantle, useful for treating barrier dysfunction and irritation.

Device for Measuring Environmental Factors and Recommending Personalized Care Regimens

Pielak, R. M. L’Oréal. US20220028564A1. Priority: July 24, 2020 • Filed: July 24, 2020 • Published: January 27, 2022.

A computer-implemented system for analyzing environmental exposure and generating personalized skincare or haircare product recommendations.

Leadership Team

Two Paths, One Commitment to

Transform Eczema Care

Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, Soteri Skin

Lama Mansour, MBA

Lama Mansour is Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Soteri Skin. She earned her MBA from Harvard Business School and brings deep expertise in brand building and go-to-market strategy within consumer health and beauty.